Dentist in Scottsdale on Advanced Dental Implant Restoration Options
Scottsdale, AZ — According to recent statistics released by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth due to an accident, gum disease, or tooth decay. The study also shows that by age 74, 26 percent of adults have lost all their permanent teeth. Dr. Jonathan Coombs, a dentist in Scottsdale, says with such a high demand for cosmetic and restorative procedures to correct missing teeth, developments in dental implants and implant-supported dentures over the past few years have been evolving rapidly. Thanks to a number of advanced features, he says the latest line of technology for performing dental implants has offered patients a reliable, long-lasting solution for their dental troubles.
At his Scottsdale cosmetic dentistry practice, the Scottsdale Smile Center, Dr. Coombs focuses on a wide variety of procedures ranging from teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to Invisalign® and routine cleanings. He says a large number of patients come into his office requesting a way to fix their denture problems: slippage, uncomfortable gels or adhesives, and the inability to enjoy foods. While dentures and missing teeth can have a drastic effect on a person’s confidence, Dr. Coombs says modern innovations in anchored dentures and dental implants have offered a growing number of patients a way to achieve natural, durable smiles.
“The biggest difference between traditional dentures and the new implant-supported dentures is stability,” says Dr. Coombs. “With traditional dentures, patients do not have the ability to chew all the types of food that they used to eat. Anchored dentures feel much more like natural teeth and can allow patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods.”
Dental implants can be used to replace teeth, support a dental bridge, or increase stability of dentures by affixing the lower appliance to implants. Using an advanced 3-D x-ray called the Conebeam® CT scan, Dr. Coombs says he takes a digital image of the patient’s bone to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure and to plan placement of the implants. Once placed, the implant is then fitted with a restoration on top of the implant to look and function like natural teeth. Unlike dentures which must be removed in order to clean, Dr. Coombs says dental implants and anchor-supported dentures can be maintained just like normal teeth with a regular brushing and rinsing, in addition to professional care every 4 to 6 months.
As with any dental procedure, Dr. Coombs says placing dental implants requires extensive experience and training, and patients should be sure to consult with only qualified dentists before undergoing treatment. He encourages all patients to extensively research their practice so as to ensure they receive the highest quality care and the safest results. Through finding the right practice, however, Dr. Coombs says patients can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, durable smile and rejuvenated confidence.
About Jonathan S. Coombs, DMD, FAGD
Dr. Jonathan Coombs earned his dental degree from the University of Louisville and has since dedicated several hundred hours to his continued education. He has achieved Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by less than 3 percent of dentists. Dr. Coombs is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and several other professional organizations. He also volunteers his time and services with the Give Back a Smile program for helping restore the smiles of victims of domestic violence. Dr. Coombs is certified in CEREC one-visit restorations, Invisalign®, and advanced whitening techniques.
Located at 7125 E. Lincoln Drive Suite 106 in Scottsdale, AZ, the Scottsdale Smile Center can be reached at (480) 304-7649. It can also be contacted online via the website scottsdalesmile.com or facebook.com/ScottsdaleSmileCenter.